In today’s fast-paced digital world, slow storage is a productivity killer. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or just someone who wants their PC to zip along, upgrading to a high-quality SSD is a non-negotiable. And when it comes to reliable, high-performance solid-state drives, Crucial has consistently proven itself as one of the crucial best brands for SSD M.2 solutions.
Crucial, a brand under Micron Technology, leverages decades of memory and storage expertise to deliver drives that are not just fast, but also dependable and often great value. M.2 NVMe SSDs, in particular, offer a compact form factor and utilize the PCIe interface for blistering speeds far beyond traditional SATA drives. But with so many options available, how do you pick the right one?
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive look at 7 of the top Crucial M.2 SSDs, detailing what makes each one special, their key features, and who they’re best suited for. Let’s dive in!
1. Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe
This compact powerhouse is a game-changer for anyone looking to upgrade their handheld gaming device or specific laptops with limited space. The Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 packs a massive 2TB of storage into an incredibly tiny M.2 2230 form factor, making it ideal for devices like the Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Microsoft Surface, and certain Dell laptops. It delivers respectable PCIe Gen4 NVMe speeds, ensuring quicker game load times and smooth overall performance without hogging power.
Key Features:
– Broad Compatibility: Works with Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Microsoft Surface, and select Dell laptops for easy portable upgrades.
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
– Spacious NVMe SSD: This 2TB SSD provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with compact M.2 2230 NVMe SSD form factor for casual gamers and home users.
– Power-efficient Design: Engineered for low power draw to extend battery life on handheld consoles and laptops.
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
Pros:
– Excellent capacity in a rare 2230 form factor.
– Strong Gen4 speeds for its size.
– Very power-efficient, great for battery-powered devices.
– Ideal for handheld gaming consoles and ultra-compact laptops.
Cons:
– 2230 form factor is niche; won’t fit most standard desktops or laptops without an adapter.
– Pricier per GB than larger M.2 form factors.
User Impressions: Users rave about its perfect fit and performance boost in their Steam Decks and ROG Allys, noting significantly faster game loads and smoother operation. The ease of installation is also a frequently praised point.
2. Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Stepping up to the more common 2280 form factor, the Crucial P310 1TB offers a superb balance of speed, capacity, and compatibility for a wide range of systems. This 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD is a fantastic choice for those looking to upgrade their laptops, desktops, or even newer gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. It’s not just about raw speed; it’s about making everyday tasks like booting Windows, opening applications, and multitasking feel snappier and more responsive.
Key Features:
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
– Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users.
– Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. Also backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems for flexible upgrades.
– Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real-world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
Pros:
– Excellent Gen4 speeds for general use and gaming.
– Broad compatibility with modern systems and older Gen3 motherboards.
– Significant productivity boost over Gen3 SSDs.
– Micron’s reliability provides peace of mind.
Cons:
– 1TB might feel limiting for very large game libraries or extensive media collections over time.
– Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive, but offers great value.
User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the noticeable speed increase over their old drives and the straightforward installation process. Many appreciate its performance for the price, making it a popular choice for mainstream upgrades.
3. Crucial P3 Plus 2TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
The Crucial P3 Plus series takes Gen4 performance up a notch, offering even faster speeds and larger capacities. This 2TB model is perfect for users who need ample storage alongside impressive speed for gaming, content creation, or business applications. Performing up to 43% faster than even the quickest Gen3 NVMe SSDs, the P3 Plus ensures you’re not waiting around for files to load or applications to launch. It’s a workhorse designed for longevity and consistent performance.
Key Features:
– NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 680K/850K IOPS.
– Date transfer rate: 5000.0 megabytes_per_second.
– Specific uses: Personal, Gaming, Business.
– Spacious storage up to 4TB (this specific model is 2TB).
– Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs.
– Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability.
– Backward compatibility with Gen3.
Pros:
– Superior Gen4 speeds compared to entry-level models.
– Excellent longevity and reliability rating.
– Good value for performance and capacity.
– Backward compatible with Gen3 systems.
Cons:
– Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive available (some premium drives reach higher).
– Sequential read/write speeds are good, but not top-tier compared to the P310 models listed above, suggesting different internal controller/NAND configuration. (Self-correction: The P310 has higher stated sequential speeds (7100/6000 MB/s) than the P3 Plus (5000 MB/s) in the feature list. I need to accurately reflect this in the paragraph and pros/cons).
Revised Product Paragraph & Pros for Crucial P3 Plus:
The Crucial P3 Plus 2TB series offers robust Gen4 performance and ample storage, making it a compelling choice for users who demand both speed and capacity without breaking the bank. While its sequential speeds (up to 5000MB/s) are a step above Gen3, it’s positioned as a high-value Gen4 option, focusing on consistent everyday performance and reliability. It’s a great fit for general computing, gaming, and business tasks, backed by an impressive 1.5 million hours MTTF.
Revised Pros:
– Reliable Gen4 performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and business.
– Excellent longevity and reliability rating (MTTF > 1.5 million hours).
– Very competitive price for its 2TB capacity.
– Backward compatibility with Gen3 systems for broader appeal.
User Impressions: Users appreciate the significant speed boost over older SSDs and the generous storage space for games and applications. It’s often recommended as a solid, budget-friendly option for Gen4 upgrades.
4. Crucial T705 2TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD
Prepare for the future of storage with the Crucial T705 2TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD! This drive is engineered for extreme performance, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with staggering sequential reads/writes of up to 14,500/12,700MB/s. If you’re building a cutting-edge PC with Intel Core 13th/14th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs, this is the drive to unlock ultimate gaming experiences (15% faster game loads with DirectStorage!) and accelerate demanding creative workloads like 8K+ video editing. It’s designed to work seamlessly with your motherboard’s heatsink, featuring a copper-clad label to ensure optimal thermal transfer.
Key Features:
– EXTREME GEN5 SPEEDS: Get sequential reads/writes of up to 14,500/12,700MB/s and random read/writes of up to 1,550K/1,800K IOPS for blazing performance.
– ULTIMATE GAMING & CREATIVITY: Load AAA game titles up to 15% faster than Gen4 SSDs with Microsoft DirectStorage. Experience the future of gaming with up to faster texture renders and reduced load times, render photos or UHD/8K+ videos, and run heavy workloads with up to less CPU utilization.
– EASY TO INSTALL: Ready for performance with your motherboard heatsink, the T705 installs easily in your M.2 slot. Its copper-clad label is designed to effectively transfer heat from the drive to the heatsink for maximum performance.
– COMPATIBILITY: Produced in house with cutting-edge Micron 232-layer TLC NAND for Intel Core 13-14th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs.
– ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan on us when you purchase and register the Crucial T705.
Pros:
– Unrivaled Gen5 speeds for read/write and IOPS.
– Dramatically faster game load times with DirectStorage.
– Ideal for professional content creation and heavy multitasking.
– Includes a valuable Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.
– Optimized for modern CPU platforms.
Cons:
– Requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible motherboard and CPU (Intel 13th/14th Gen, AMD Ryzen 7000 series).
– Premium price point.
– Best performance often requires a dedicated heatsink.
User Impressions: Early adopters are blown away by the speed, calling it a true next-gen experience. Gamers notice the snappier loads, and content creators appreciate the reduced render times. The Adobe CC bonus is also a hit.
5. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
This 2TB variant of the Crucial P310 2280 is a standout choice for gamers, particularly those looking to expand their PlayStation 5 storage. With PCIe 4.0 performance delivering up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds, it easily meets and exceeds Sony’s requirements for PS5 expansion. Beyond consoles, it’s also a superb upgrade for desktops and laptops, providing ample space for a large game library and demanding applications while making everyday tasks significantly faster than Gen3 drives. It’s a prime example of the crucial best brands for SSD M.2 providing versatile solutions.
Key Features:
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
– Spacious 2TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users.
– Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5. Also supports backward compatibility with Gen3 systems, making upgrades simple.
– Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
Pros:
– High 2TB capacity perfect for extensive game libraries.
– Exceeds PS5 speed requirements for seamless gaming.
– Strong Gen4 speeds for all applications.
– Broad compatibility with modern and older systems.
– Robust Micron quality and thermal control.
Cons:
– Requires a heatsink when installed in a PS5 (not included with the drive).
– While fast, it’s not a Gen5 drive for those looking for absolute bleeding-edge speeds on PC.
User Impressions: PS5 owners are thrilled with the extra storage and flawless performance, confirming it runs PS5 games directly from the drive without issues. PC users laud its snappy performance and excellent value for a 2TB Gen4 drive.
6. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD, Up to 10,000 MB/s
The Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD strikes an impressive balance between cutting-edge Gen5 speeds and affordability. While not reaching the absolute peak of the T705, it still delivers serious performance with read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s. This makes it an ideal choice for savvy buyers who want to future-proof their systems with Gen5 compatibility for both laptops and desktops without the premium cost associated with the very fastest drives. Plus, it includes Acronis True Image for Crucial software, making data migration a breeze.
Key Features:
– SERIOUS SPEED: Reduced load times and enjoy read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s.
– GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation and flexibility for Gen5 laptops and desktops.
– AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price, making it an ideal choice for savvy buyers.
– MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust.
– SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software allows users to easily migrate data from old drives to the P510.
Pros:
– Excellent Gen5 speeds at a more accessible price point.
– Future-proof for Gen5 systems.
– Includes useful Acronis True Image software for easy data migration.
– Backed by trusted Micron quality.
– Great performance-to-price ratio for Gen5.
Cons:
– Still requires a Gen5 compatible motherboard and CPU.
– May not hit the absolute highest speeds of other premium Gen5 drives.
– A heatsink may be beneficial for sustained heavy workloads.
User Impressions: Buyers are very happy with the performance they get for the price, especially those upgrading to a Gen5 platform. The inclusion of migration software is a definite plus for many.
7. Crucial P310 1TB M.2 2230 SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe
Rounding out our list is the 1TB version of the compact Crucial P310 2230 SSD. Just like its 2TB sibling, this drive is a godsend for owners of handheld gaming devices and select ultra-portable laptops like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Microsoft Surface. Offering 1TB of Gen4 NVMe storage at speeds up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write, it provides a substantial upgrade over internal storage, significantly boosting game loading and system responsiveness. Its power-efficient design is a crucial benefit for extending battery life on portable gadgets.
Key Features:
– Broad Compatibility: Works with Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Microsoft Surface, and select Dell laptops for easy portable upgrades.
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
– Spacious NVMe SSD: This 1TB SSD provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with compact M.2 2230 NVMe SSD form factor for casual gamers and home users.
– Power-efficient Design: Engineered for low power draw to extend battery life on handheld consoles and laptops.
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
Pros:
– Perfect for compact devices requiring a 2230 M.2 form factor.
– Strong Gen4 speeds in a tiny package.
– Excellent power efficiency for portable devices.
– Reliable Micron components.
Cons:
– 1TB might eventually be limiting for dedicated handheld gamers with large libraries.
– Niche form factor, not for general desktop/laptop use.
User Impressions: Handheld gamers consistently praise this drive for its ease of installation, perfect fit, and the dramatic improvement in load times and overall system snappiness on their Steam Decks and ROG Allys.
Choosing Your Crucial M.2 SSD: Key Considerations
When evaluating the crucial best brands for SSD M.2 drives, remember to consider:
- Compatibility: Check your motherboard or device’s specifications for the M.2 slot size (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110) and PCIe generation (Gen3, Gen4, Gen5).
- Performance Needs: For everyday tasks, Gen3 or entry-level Gen4 is fine. For serious gaming, content creation, or future-proofing, Gen4 high-end or Gen5 is ideal.
- Capacity: How much storage do you need? 1TB is a good starting point for many, but 2TB or more is better for extensive game libraries or large files.
- Budget: Gen3 is most affordable, while Gen5 demands a premium. Find the sweet spot that meets your needs without overspending.
- Heatsink: Gen4 and especially Gen5 drives can run hot under heavy load. A heatsink (either built into your motherboard or purchased separately) is often recommended or required (like for PS5).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What exactly is an M.2 SSD and how is it different from other SSDs?
A1: An M.2 SSD is a small form factor solid-state drive that plugs directly into your motherboard’s M.2 slot. It’s much smaller than traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs and often uses the faster NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol over a PCIe interface, allowing for significantly higher speeds compared to SATA.
Q2: What do PCIe Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5 mean for M.2 SSDs?
A2: These refer to the generation of the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface that the SSD uses. Each generation doubles the bandwidth of the previous one. Gen3 offers speeds up to ~3,500 MB/s, Gen4 up to ~7,000 MB/s, and Gen5 up to ~14,000 MB/s. To utilize a higher generation SSD, your motherboard and CPU must also support that generation.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 NVMe SSD?
A3: For most casual use and Gen3 SSDs, a heatsink isn’t strictly necessary. However, for high-performance Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate significant heat under heavy loads, and thermal throttling (slowing down to prevent overheating) can occur without adequate cooling. For PS5 expansion, a heatsink is a mandatory requirement.
Q4: Is Crucial a reliable brand for M.2 SSDs?
A4: Absolutely. Crucial is a brand of Micron Technology, one of the world’s largest memory and flash storage manufacturers. This means Crucial SSDs are built with Micron’s own high-quality NAND flash and controllers, known for their reliability, performance, and longevity. They are consistently among the crucial best brands for SSD M.2 storage solutions.
Q5: Can I install an M.2 SSD myself?
A5: Yes, generally M.2 SSDs are quite easy to install. They simply slide into an M.2 slot on your motherboard and are secured with a small screw. For laptops or handheld devices, the process might involve opening the casing, but it’s usually straightforward with the right tools and a guide. Always back up your data before performing any hardware upgrades!
Q6: What’s the difference between the M.2 2230 and 2280 form factors?
A6: The numbers refer to the physical dimensions of the M.2 card in millimeters (width x length). So, 2230 is 22mm wide and 30mm long, while 2280 is 22mm wide and 80mm long. Most desktop motherboards and standard laptops use the 2280 size. The smaller 2230 form factor is specifically for compact devices like handheld gaming PCs (Steam Deck, ROG Ally) and some ultra-thin laptops.
Q7: Will a Gen5 SSD make my older PC faster?
A7: A Gen5 SSD will only perform at its full Gen5 potential if your PC’s motherboard and CPU support PCIe Gen5. If your system only supports Gen4, a Gen5 SSD will still work, but it will be limited to Gen4 speeds. If your system only supports Gen3, it will be limited to Gen3 speeds. So, while it’s backward compatible, you won’t get the “Gen5 advantage” unless your system can handle it.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a Crucial M.2 SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your PC or compatible device. From the versatile P310 series offering excellent Gen4 performance in various form factors to the blazing-fast, future-proof T705 and P510 Gen5 drives, Crucial has a solution for virtually every need and budget.
As one of the crucial best brands for SSD M.2 technology, Crucial consistently delivers on its promise of performance, reliability, and value. No matter if you’re building a new high-end gaming rig, upgrading your workstation, or boosting your handheld console, there’s a Crucial drive on this list that’s perfect for you. Choose wisely and enjoy the difference that truly fast storage can make!